This week, the Senate unanimously confirmed the re-nomination of Chairman Robert F. Powelson to a second five-year term as a Public Utility Commission (PUC) Commissioner.
During his hearing before the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee, Chairman Powelson noted that the Commission is currently addressing issues that impact Pennsylvanians every day. He counted among the PUC’s recent successes: the implementation of laws to address aging utility infrastructure; the collection and distribution of the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee; reducing electric consumption and peak demand statewide over five years; and enforcing pipeline safety.
Powelson has also been a leading voice on competitive markets and a staunch advocate for the shale gas industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
During his testimony before the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, Powelson said there are issues the PUC must still confront, including the competitive electricity market and recent transportation issues. Just this week, the General Assembly held hearings on electric reliability issues and variable electricity rates that recently increased significantly for some consumers.
Chairman Powelson first was nominated to the PUC on June 19, 2008, by Governor Edward G. Rendell to fill the remainder of an unexpired term. The Senate unanimously confirmed Chairman Powelson to serve as Commissioner on June 30, 2008. Commissioner Powelson was renominated by Governor Rendell for a full five-year term on Feb. 12, 2009, and once again unanimously confirmed by the Senate on April 22, 2009.
On Feb. 24, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett appointed Powelson Chairman of the PUC.
In addition, Governor Corbett invited Chairman Powelson to serve as a member of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. The Commission reviewed the Commonwealth’s existing statutes, regulations and policies and provided recommendations to ensure that Pennsylvania maximizes the opportunity that Marcellus Shale presents in the most responsible manner possible. Since then, the PUC successful implemented ACT 13 and has distributed over $407 million in impact fee monies across the Commonwealth.
Powelson is the chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Water. In addition, he has been appointed to represent that committee on NARUC’s Task Force on Climate Policy. He also is a member of the NARUC Committee on Critical Infrastructure and a member of the NARUC Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal. Powelson also serves as First-Vice of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissions.
Powelson’s complete bio is available here (http://www.puc.pa.gov/about_puc/commissioners.aspx)
For more information about the PUC click here (http://www.puc.pa.gov)
For more information please contact Kim Pizzingrilli or Alan Seltzer.